Physiology, Anatomy and pathology of mammary

Biologically, the breast is a modified sweat gland, and defining characteristic of mammals and their main function is to feed the young. In humans, adding a clear sexual component: unlike what happens with the female primates, the breasts of women maintain a significant amount from puberty, which increases by about a third over the period of lactation.

The mammary gland originates in the skin depth. In the girl develops after puberty, and growth will be accompanied by skin to adapt to new forms and sizes. Inside there are changes that prepare the gland for feeding the newborn: the acinar glandular lobes meeting and communicating with the outside of the nipple by ducts, hypertrophy, and activated, producing a discharge feature : milk. The hormonal stimulation of menstruation, pregnancy and lactation, hormonal treatments and obesity induce an increase in its size.

Embryologically formed from two folds of the surface layer (ectoderm) in the ventral region of the embryo which give rise to two rows of breasts in some mammals (dog, cat …); in the human female and other mammals (horses, cattle), these glands have atrophied, leaving only two. It is not uncommon, however, that in some women persist stunted remains of these structures and can see traces of breasts more or less complete in the lines from the armpit to the groin (Mamas and supernumerary nipples).

Other anomalies that may be encountered are the complete absence of one or both breasts ( amastia ), significant asymmetries (some asymmetry is normal), alterations of the plate nipple areola (nipple inverted, hypertrophy, etc.), or breast development in males ( gynecomastia ).

The above changes are eminently morphology.
Because the framework in which we live we will not delve into the histopathological type even if you can point, briefly, a simple classification of the most common pathology: Inflammatory (mastitis, abscess, and necrosis), Hormonal (benign mammary dysplasia, cysts and adenosis) and Tumor: benign (fibroadenoma) and malignant (carcinoma). Given the frequency of abnormalities is important in the diagnostic care that are essential for periodic medical examinations and good patient information, including self-breast examination, and most importantly, regular monitoring by your gynecologist.

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